Algeria clarifies stance on French wheat boycott

On Thursday, Algeria responded to the exclusion of French companies from a wheat import tender, following President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara last July.

While not refuting the information reported by Reuters on Wednesday, the Algerian Interprofessional Cereals Office (OAIC), a public entity, clarified in a statement that «the restricted consultation launched by OAIC on October 6, 2024, adhered to specific technical criteria, based on particular industrial needs at this time».

The OAIC emphasized that «all cereal suppliers on our shortlist are considered strategic partners. Regardless of product origin, they are treated equally in all consultations throughout 2024».

The handling of this exclusion of French wheat mirrors Algeria's response after the June 8, 2022, suspension of banking procedures for imports and exports to and from Spain.

At that time, the Algerian embassy to the European Union denied the order issued by the Association of Banks and Financial Institutions Professionals (ABEF), stating, «It exists only in the minds of those who claim it and those quick to criticize it».

However, Algeria officially confirmed the ABEF directive on July 23, 2022, and a subsequent denial of any changes to the suspension was issued by the APS on August 1, 2022.